Child, Youth, and Family Programs

MacBain Community Centre Schedule & Programs 

Join us at the MacBain Community Centre for a variety of programs for all ages! Be sure to check out the Aquatics schedule and the Library schedule to see what other programming is happening at the MacBain Community Centre!    

Registered Programs

Registration 

Sign up on ActiveNet or in person for these fun, educational, multi-week programs! 

How to sign up with ActiveNet

Special Considerations

For individuals requiring special considerations to participate, please contact Nathan Smith and [email protected] in advance of registration.

Support Persons

A volunteer/caregiver/personal support worker accompanying a paying person requiring support enters free of charge.

Spring Programs 2025. Registration opens on March 5, 2025!

  • Alchemy Yoga: In partnership with Alchemy Yoga and Wellness Studio, we have yoga classes for youth of all ages, from infants to teens! Alchemy Yoga strives to provide you with a serene, safe space to get to know your body because that is what Yoga is about! With small class sizes, everyone from all walks of life can feel accepted and authentic here. You Belong!
  • Babysitting Course: The Canada Safety Council Babysitting course covers everything from managing difficult behaviours to essential content on leadership and professional conduct as a babysitter. Aspiring babysitters also learn basic first-aid skills. All required materials are included in the registration fee.
  • CalmQuest Kids: Discover the Calm Quest Kids 5-Week Program, designed to help children to develop emotional awareness, self-regulation, and social skills through engaging activities and interactive lessons. Each session includes fun exercises, a Feelings Journal, and take-home resources for parents to reinforce learning. Empower your child with tools to understand and manage emotions while building confidence and resilience. Let’s make emotional well-being a priority!
  • Carousel Players Theatre School 
    • 8-week programs, Tuesdays starting April 1
    • Junior (Ages 5-7): In this fun-filled 8-week drama program, young minds will explore the exciting world of creativity! Through imaginative games, role-playing, and group activities, children will build confidence, express their ideas, and develop communication skills in a supportive and playful environment. It's the perfect way to spark your child's creativity and help them discover the joy of self-expression!
    • Intermediate (Ages 8-10): This 8-week drama program takes creativity to the next level! Designed for kids eager to dive deeper into performance, students will refine their acting skills, enhance their communication abilities, and gain confidence through more structured activities and collaborative projects. Through acting exercises, storytelling, and character development, they'll learn how to express themselves with clarity and creativity, while building important life skills for the stage and beyond!
  • Dodgeball: Our Youth Dodgeball Program introduces players to the fundamentals of dodgeball while building teamwork, agility, and strategic thinking. Following World Dodgeball Federation (WDBF) rules, participants will develop throwing, dodging, catching, and blocking skills through engaging drills and game scenarios. With a focus on teamwork, decision-making, and game awareness, this program provides a fun and supportive environment for players of all skill levels to grow and compete.
  • Home Alone Course: The Home Alone Program is designed to provide children ten years of age (or turning ten this year) and older with the necessary skills and knowledge to be safe and responsible when home alone for short periods of time. It will help them understand how to prevent problems, handle real-life situations, and keep them safe and constructively occupied. All required materials are included in the registration fee. 
  • Kidz Who Can Coding: Learning to code on a computer is similar to learning a language! Young children are able to pick these skills up very quickly, especially when they think they are just playing and having fun. KIDZ WHO CAN is a local Niagara business that provides workshops for young people, teaching coding fundamentals and basic graphic design skills. Children use prompts and activities to express their creativity through storytelling, animation, and visual design all while creating their own video games and projects! 
  • Little Medical School: Through this variety of classes offered by Little Medical School, participants are provided youth programming in health awareness and medically inspired education to encourage and brighten young minds as they explore healthy lifestyles, wellness, and careers in the medical field through role play, interactive demonstrations, and fun hands-on activities.
    • 6-week programs, Tuesdays starting April 8, 2025
      • Little Vet - Pawesome Adventures: After “adopting” their very own plush puppy, students will role play the key responsibilities of a veterinarian, including how to properly perform a nose-to-tail exam. These future veterinarians will learn how to sew stitches, remove ticks, make healthy treats, and vaccinate their dog.  Our program concludes with our new little Vets graduating/receiving a diploma and reciting the Vet Oath to their family and friends!
      • Wilderness Medicine & Survival Adventures: Adventure awaits! Students will learn to tackle wilderness challenges like insect and snake bites, boosting their outdoor confidence in skills such as preparing for a hike, identifying animal tracks, and wildlife encounters. They will also gain essential survival techniques, including splint setting, tourniquet application, hypothermia management, and versatile uses of a bandana for emergencies. Don’t miss this exciting journey into the great outdoors!
    • 6-week programs, Thursdays starting April 10, 2025
      • Under the Sea Ocean Explorers: This program offers a dynamic, hands-on experience to the world of Marine Biology. Children conduct ocean experiments and adopt their very own plush Orca . Along their journey, they will learn how to preserve our oceans, discover how to rescue, rehabilitate, and return sea animals back to the wild. Children will uncover the mysteries of ocean layers, vertebrates vs. invertebrates, water pressure, and more! They’ll also explore marine mammals, ocean animal babies, and ocean predators. This engaging program culminates in their graduation as Little Marine Biologists, empowering them to protect our oceans!
      • Little Doc Med/STEM Career Explorers: Discover the fascinating world of healthcare and STEM careers with fun, hands-on activities! Explore nursing, dentistry, surgery, pediatrics, nutrition and more while discovering what makes them exciting. The experience culminates in a fun ‘Match Day’ graduation ceremony where students pick their favorite career path, sparking curiosity and a love for Medicine and STEM.
    • 6-week programs, Tuesdays starting May 20, 2025
      • Little Vet - Purrs and Neighs : In this combination Vet program, students will learn all about our feline and Equine Friends. They will adopt their very own plush kitty and pony while discovering their body language, styles and creating cat toys and horse hoof models. They will learn how to keep their animal friends healthy through assessing their unique anatomies, nutrition and learning what makes them purr and neigh!
      • Forensic Science - CSI Mysteries: Uncover the clues, crack the case - your forensic adventure starts here! Students will conduct experiments on fingerprinting, collecting shoe prints, chromatography, composite drawing, facial reconstruction, toxicology, and handwriting analysis to solve a crime. The class culminates with the forensic student team working together on a crime scene investigation!
    • 6-week programs, Thursdays starting May 22, 2025
      • Marine Biology - A Sea Turtle Adventure and Rescue :Dive into the world of marine biology on this extraordinary expedition! Our program gives participants a hands-on, dynamic introduction to sea turtles and conduct ocean experiments.  Each participant will become the caretaker of a plush sea turtle, conduct health checks, explore the diversity of sea turtle species, and join a team effort to rescue and release a Leatherback Sea turtle back into the wild. This engaging program culminates in their graduation as Little Marine Biologists, empowering them to protect sea turtles and our oceans!
      • Medical Marvels - Calling all Doctors: Inspire learning today - healthy futures tomorrow.  Through role-play and activities, students will learn the key responsibilities of a explore the heart, lungs, and digestion. Students will use real medical instruments (stethoscope, reflex hammer, and blood pressure cuff) and practice scrubbing, suturing, and tying knots like a real surgeon. They will be enlightened in the importance of preventive care and healthy lifestyles. Our students will graduate, receive a diploma, recite the Little Medical School Hippocratic Oath for their family and friends. They will receive their lab coat and very own stethoscope to take home!
  • Magic Lessons: In partnership with the Ontario Children’s Magic Academy, we teach kids to care!  Unlock potential : Research has proven that learning and performing magic builds great character. Throughout these amazing programs, kids practice speaking skills, explore their creativity, and develop sequential thinking. Discover Magic creates Extraordinary Fun that makes GREAT KIDS appear!
    • 6-8 week programs, Thursdays starting April 3, 2025
    • Magic Explorers - Series 1: Magic Explorers is a one-of-a-kind program developed to help kids have fun, make friends, and feel special. Where Magic meets Arts and Crafts. Classes include art making, magic tricks, stories and learning the 3 keys to magic while taking adventures with our Magic Explorer characters!
    • Purple Wand Course -  Get ready to take an amazing adventure into the exciting world of magic. Every Lesson, students learn something NEW that they will want to share with others! Each WAND COURSE features completely different magic tricks and activities while all reinforcing the exact same 8 Character Traits that make “A TRUE MAGICIAN”!, Each lesson reveals an important life skill to help build their confidence and communication skills. Every lesson comes with a custom magic prop, a top-secret file folder, and a secret word to unlock bonus videos in the online video vault.
  • Martial Arts Center Karate: In partnership with The Martial Arts Center, this 10-week program teaches Goju Ryu Karate, a traditional style of Okinawan martial arts. Goju is a well-balanced system which is great for youth of all ages. At the youth level, the program teaches the fundamentals of Karate, with a focus on improved fitness, coordination, courtesy, self-confidence, and control. Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and test to advance in belt levels near the end of the session. A uniform t-shirt is required and can be purchased from the Center at the first class for $25. 
    • Date: 10-week program, Fridays starting April 11, 2025 (No class April 18)
    • Cost: $135
    • Beginner/Intermediate (8yrs - 12yrs) - 6:00-7:00 pm.
    • Click here to register
  • Racquetball Lessons: Come out and discover the basics of Racquetball learning skills, drills, and games from community Racquetball coaches Todd Bright and Tammy Gray. The small group settings will ensure everyone gets plenty of playtime and coaching! All equipment provided.
  • RoboThink Robotics: Offers fun & educational robotics, STEM and coding programs to children! We go beyond robotics, fostering self-confidence, technical mastery, creativity, and spatial awareness. Join us for a journey of fun and endless STEM learning possibilities! 
    • Trains, Planes, and Automobiles - Explore the land and the sky with RoboThink! In the Planes, Trains, and Automobiles camp, students will build robots inspired by different vehicles, including planes, trains, and cars, using motors, gears, and batteries. They will also get to create new exclusive robots to bring their projects to life 
      • 6-weeks, Saturdays starting March 22 (no class April 19)
      • Ages: 5 - 12 years
      • Time: 1:30pm -2:30pm
      • Cost: $200
      • Click here to register
    • Expedition Mars - Attention, future space pioneers! Brace yourselves for an epic expedition to the captivating planet of Mars. Equipped with an impressive fleet of rovers inspired by the iconic Curiosity and Perseverance explorations, your child will venture deep into the unknown, unravelling the secrets of this mysterious new world.
      • 6-weeks, Saturdays starting March 22 (no class April 19)
      • Ages: 8 - 12 years
      • Time: 2:45pm - 3:45pm
      • Cost: $200
      • Click here to register
    •  Amusement Park - Welcome to RoboThink Land! As the newest rollercoaster engineer, it’s your child’s job to help build the best amusement park they possibly can! This program has students using motors, axles gears and more to create a wide variety of theme park rides, including a Ferris Wheel and a rollercoaster!
    • AI ThinkLab: Robots - Let's learn, build, code and play with AI robots.  This innovative program is specially designed for children to get hands-on experiences with AI (Artificial intelligence).   Students will not only build robots, learn to how to code, but also use cool AI tools to control robots and to gain an understanding of AI application in this increasingly automated world.  
  • Sportball Multi-Sport: Multi-Sport classes keep children moving and engaged and send them home with new skills from a different sport in each class. These well-rounded classes provide an amazing foundation for a lifetime of active living, bundling soccer, baseball, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, golf and tennis into one comprehensive package. Sportball Methodology is designed to support three key areas of early childhood development: sports skills, pro-social skills, and motor skills.
    • 11-week program, Sundays starting May 25, 2025 (No class on June 29 & August 3)
      • This Program will run at the MacBain Community Centre until July 6 at which point it will run out of Prince Charles Park
      • Parent and Tot (16 months - 3 years) - 9:00-9:45 am. Cost: $210. Click here to register
      • Parent and Tot (16 months - 3 years) - 9:45-10:30 am. Cost: $210. Click here to register
      • Junior (4yrs - 6yrs) - 10:30-11:30 am. Cost: $210. Click here to register
      • Senior (7yrs -10yrs) - 11:30-12:30 pm. Cost: $210. Click here to register
    • 10-week program, Fridays starting April 4, 2025 (No class on April 18)

Municipal Fee Assistance

We want everyone in our community to have the chance to participate. Money should not be a barrier!

Financial assistance to help with child/youth program fees.

Information about more subsidies and grants.

Refund Policy 

  • For Programs, Courses, and Special Events with two or fewer classes/sessions:
    • A refund will be issued if it is more than 48 hours from the start of the course
    • No refunds will be issued within 48 hours from the start of the course
  • For Programs, Courses, and Special Events with three or more classes/sessions:
    • A refund will be issued if the class has not started
    • Once the class has started, registration fees will be refunded on a pro-rated basis
    • No refunds will be issued after the third class
  • Late Enrollment: Joining after the first class will only result in a prorated fee if the program is delivered by Niagara Falls staff (ex. Swim Lessons) and not if delivered by a 3rd party provider (ex. Carousel Players Drama Program)  
  • All refunds and transfers are subject to a $10.00 administration fee, per participant
  • A full 100% refund is given if the program is cancelled by the City of Niagara Falls

Drop In Program

MacBain Community Centre 

Join us as we expand our all ages programming on school holidays to provide safe family fun!

Family Day Weekend

Join us for a full weekend of family fun!

February 14

Valentine's Day Crafts: Get crafty with us as we make some fun Valentine's Day themed crafts! We've got all the supplies so you just need your imagination!

February 17

Tropical Crafts: Feeling the winter blues? We've got some tropical themed crafts to help imagine warmer weather! We've got all the supplies so you just need your imagination!

Bubbleology Shows with Miss T the Bubble Queen: This interactive show leaves audiences engaged and amazed with the science & art of the beautiful bubble, a perfect mix of entertainment and education.

Drop In Program Schedule

  • Prices
    • Badminton, Basketball, Pickleball, & Table Tennis - $5 per person / $10 per family
    • Indoor Play Structure - $7 per child / $15 per family
    • Open Swim - Under 4 are free, $4 for youth (ages 4-17), $4.50 for seniors, $5 for adults, $10 per family
  • Day Passes available: Get access to all the great drop-in programs, including the pool and indoor play structure, for only $10 per child / $15 per adult / $25 per family.
  • Supervision Requirements: For Drop-in Programs, children 12 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who is a minimum 16 years of age.
DateEvents

Friday, February 14

  • Indoor Play Structure – Ages 4-12 - 8:30am-8:30pm
  • Pickleball – 11:30am-1:30pm
  • Table Tennis - 12:00pm-8:45pm
  • Badminton - 1:45pm-4:00pm
  • Basketball – 4:15pm-8:45pm
  • Open Swim
    • Leisure Pool – 8:00am-3:45pm & 6:00pm-8:30pm
    • Lane Pool (with slide) – 6:00pm-8:30pm

Saturday, February 15

  • Indoor Play Structure – Ages 4-12 - 8:30am-8:30pm
  • Badminton - 7:15am-10:45am
  • Basketball – 12:45pm-4:45pm
  • Open Swim
    • Leisure Pool – 7:30am-8:45am & 1:00pm-4:30pm
    • Lane Pool (with slide) – 2:00pm-4:30pm

Sunday, February 16

  • Indoor Play Structure – Ages 4-12 - 8:30am-10:30am & 3:00pm-4:45pm
  • Pickleball - 7:15am-11:00am
  • Basketball – 11:15am-12:45pm
  • Badminton - 1:00pm-4:45pm
  • Open Swim
    • Leisure Pool – 7:30am-8:45am & 1:00pm-4:30pm
    • Lane Pool (with slide) – 2:00pm-4:30pm

Monday, February 17

  • Indoor Play Structure – Ages 4-12 - 8:30am-4:45pm
  • Pickleball - 7:15am-11:00am
  • Table Tennis - 8:00am-4:45pm
  • Volleyball - 11:30am-2:00pm
  • Basketball – 2:15pm-4:45pm
  • Open Swim
    • Leisure Pool – 7:30am-4:30pm
    • Lane Pool (with slide) – 10:00am-11:45am & 2:00pm-4:30pm

School Holiday Programs

March Break  

Join us for a full week of fun! Don't forget to check out what other City sites are up to! Click here!

Saturday March 8

International Women's Day Racquetball Learn & Play Clinic: Racquetball Ontario invites you to celebrate International Women’s Day with us! Join us for a free ‘Learn and Play’ clinic for women and girls. An inspiring event filled with activities, empowerment, and community as we honour the achievements of women and support one another on this special day.

Monday, March 10

Club Rex: Join Club Rex as we unpack all the latest news from the field and explore the newest dinosaurs and discoveries. Learn how to identify dinosaur fossils with our amazing collection of skulls, teeth, claws and more! If you love dinosaurs, you won’t want to miss it!

Tuesday, March 11

St. Patrick's Day Crafts: Get in the St. Patrick's Day spirit with some fun themed crafts! We've got all the supplies so you just need your imagination!

Wednesday, March 12

Scoop McCoy Children's Magician: Scoop McCoy performs his hilarious, high energy magic show at children’s and family events across Southern Ontario. It's a fun, amazing and interactive show with lots of audience participation. Everyone - kids and adults - have a fun and fabulous time!

  • Ages: 3-12
  • Cost: $5 per participant 
  • Time: 10:30-11:30am
  • Click here to register

  • *Parental supervision is required.

Thursday, March 13

McMaster Engineering GO ENG Bath Bombs Workshop

Students will aim to gain a deeper knowledge of compounds, acids and bases through this chemistry lab and the creation of bath bombs. This project not only introduces students to the science behind skincare but also connects them with the rich tradition of DIY beauty practices. Students will work in groups of 3 but individuals will be able to make their own bath bomb and take it home! 

McMaster Engineering GO ENG Soft Matter Physics Workshop

Discover soft matter physics! This workshop offers hands-on activities where students explore key physics concepts while making slime, bouncy balls, and toothpaste. At Station 1, students dive into polymer science by creating slime. They'll see how changing ingredient ratios affects slime's thickness (viscosity) and learn about its stretchy (elastic) properties. They'll also find out that slime behaves differently from water—it's a non-Newtonian fluid! Station 2 turns students into material scientists as they design bouncy balls. They'll learn how material structure affects bounce (elasticity) and discover the science behind how energy is stored and released during bouncing. In Station 3, students become materials engineers by formulating their own toothpaste. They'll see how adding ingredients changes toothpaste thickness and learn about its response to squeezing and spreading. 

Friday, March 14

MYAC Basketball Tournament: Think you got what it takes? Compete in MYAC’s 3v3 style basketball tournament! Don't miss out, grab your friends and get ready to win amazing prizes! For more information visit MYAC on Instagram @NFMYAC.

 CalmQuest Kids Teamwork and Kindness Workshop: In this workshop, children learn to collaborate and show compassion toward one another. Through engaging cooperative games and imaginative role-play activities, participants explore empathy, problem-solving, and effective communication. Each child will discover the power of kindness and how their supportive actions can uplift peers. By the end of this CalmQuestKids session, they’ll leave with stronger connections and practical strategies to foster positivity in everyday life.

CalmQuest Kids Building Emotional Resilience Workshop: In this workshop, children gain tools to handle challenges in a healthy, confident manner. They’ll engage with storytelling and journaling exercises that nurture self-awareness, enabling them to identify and express their emotions productively. Participants learn various coping techniques to manage stress and setbacks, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. Ultimately, they leave feeling empowered to bounce back from difficulties and approach life with a resilient mindset.

Drop In Program Schedule

  • Prices
    • Badminton, Basketball, Pickleball, & Table Tennis - $5 per person / $10 per family
    • Indoor Play Structure - $7 per child / $15 per family
    • Open Swim - Under 4 are free, $4 for youth (ages 4-17), $4.50 for seniors, $5 for adults, $10 per family
  • Day Passes available: Get access to all the great drop-in programs, including the pool and indoor play structure, for only $10 per child / $15 per adult / $25 per family.
  • Supervision Requirements: For Drop-in Programs, children 12 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who is a minimum 16 years of age.
DateEvents

Saturday, March 8

Sunday, March 9

  • Regular Winter Drop In Schedule

Monday, March 10

  • Indoor Play Structure – Ages 4-12 - 8:30am-8:30pm
  • Basketball – 12:15pm-2:45pm
  • Badminton - 3:00pm-5:30pm
  • Volleyball - 6:00pm-8:45pm
  • Open Swim
    • Leisure Pool – 8:00am-8:45pm
    • Lane Pool (with slide) – 1:15pm-3:00pm & 4:45pm-6:45pm

Tuesday, March 11

  • Indoor Play Structure – Ages 4-12 - 8:30am-8:30pm
  • Badminton - 3:45pm-5:45pm
  • Table Tennis - 6:30pm-8:45pm
  • Open Swim
    • Leisure Pool – 8:00am-8:45pm
    • Lane Pool (with slide) – 2:30pm-4:30pm

Wednesday, March 12

  • Indoor Play Structure – Ages 4-12 - 8:30am-8:30pm
  • Volleyball - 1:45pm-5:00pm
  • Basketball - 5:30-8:45pm
  • Open Swim
    • Leisure Pool – 8:00am-8:45pm
    • Lane Pool (with slide) – 1:15pm-3:00pm & 4:45pm-6:45pm

Thursday, March 13

  • Indoor Play Structure – Ages 4-12 - 8:30am-8:30pm
  • Pickleball - 12:15pm-2:15pm
  • Badminton - 2:30pm-5:45pm
  • Table Tennis - 4:00pm-6:15pm
  • Open Swim
    • Leisure Pool – 8:00am-8:45pm
    • Lane Pool (with slide) – 2:30pm-4:30pm

Friday, March 14

  • Indoor Play Structure – Ages 4-12 - 8:30am-8:30pm
  • Basketball – 11:30am-12:30pm & 4:30pm-8:45pm
  • Table Tennis - 5:15pm-8:45pm
  • Open Swim
    • Leisure Pool – 8:00am-8:30pm
    • Lane Pool (with slide) –  1:15pm-3:00pm & 6:00pm-8:30pm

Saturday, March 15

Sunday, March 16 

  • Regular Spring Drop In Schedule